PCBs found at P.S. 36 in Annadale

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Elevated levels of toxic PCBs have been found in two classrooms at PS 36 in Annadale. The rooms were closed to staff and students. Air testing was scheduled for this weekend inside the school.

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, is an industrial compound. The manufacture and use of PCBs has been restricted since the 1970s because it is harmful to the environment.

Dennis Walcott, deputy mayor for education, stated in a letter on Friday to Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, that the two classrooms would remain closed until it is certain there are no health concerns. He said the affected materials have already been removed.